Fiji has reportedly suffered a financial loss of approximately $17 million after being unable to host the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Champions League.
According to Fiji Football Association (FA) CEO Mohammed Yusuf, FIFA regulations require two available venues to host a tournament featuring two pools of four teams. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Fiji FA was unable to secure both HFC Stadium in Suva and Churchill Park in Lautoka at the same time.
As a result, the tournament had to be relinquished, leading to significant financial losses. Yusuf highlighted that hosting the event would have brought eight teams to Fiji, generating revenue through hotel bookings, transportation services, stadium fees, and other local businesses.
The competition will now take place in the Solomon Islands from March 30 to April 12.
Despite this setback, Fiji has successfully secured both stadiums for the upcoming OFC Women’s Nations Cup, the premier event in the OFC women’s football calendar. This tournament is scheduled to be held from July 4 to July 19.